The Relatives
The Electric Word
Release Date: Feb 19, 2013
Genre(s): R&B, Funk, Retro-Soul, Psychedelic Soul, Black Gospel
Record label: Yep Roc
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Album Review: The Electric Word by The Relatives
Great, Based on 3 Critics
Based on rating 4/5
Are you ready for the resurrection? In the 1970s the West brothers of Dallas formed the Relatives, a Staple Singers-style gospel-funk group who enjoyed modest success before their 1980 dissolution. The few singles they cut became cult items and led to their reformation and this surprising album. Produced by Spoon's Jim Eno, its 37 minutes crackle with conviction, mixing gospel vocals with tough funk rhythms and psych-rock guitar.
Based on rating 7/10
In 2009, the Heavy Light label released Don't Let Me Fall, a compilation of three obscure singles and five previously unreleased songs by the Relatives -- a group from Dallas, Texas that formed in 1970 and fused gospel, funk, and psychedelic soul. During their initial run, the Relatives opened for the Staple Singers and the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi. It wouldn't be surprising to learn that they shared a stage with the Rance Allen Group or once opened for Parliament/Funkadelic.
Opinion: Great
The saga of the Relatives offers a testament to the perseverance of spirit. Almost lost to history, the band's entire recorded output was reissued for 2009 anthology Don't Let Me Fall, an absolute masterpiece of Texas gospel soul that inspired an ongoing reunion. After more than three decades, the Relatives could've taken the easy path, cutting a standard comeback album of covers and traditionals, but the Rev.
'The Electric Word'
is available now